Week 16 Game Discussion Thread

This thread is for discussion of action on the field before, during, and after Week 16 of the 2006 NFL season. You can talk about who you think will win or lose before the games start and last-minute news on Sunday morning. Then during the games, discuss strange plays, great performances, and stupid announcers (of which there are plenty). After the day is done, we'll discuss the results of the week Sunday night and Monday before our weekly commentary articles appear.

Please note that there is a separate thread for the Thursday and Saturday night games. A third thread will go up Sunday night for discussion during the Christmas Day games.

Please ask your fantasy football start/bench and waiver wire questions in the discussion thread for Scramble for the Ball.

Comments

1

by Sid (not verified) :: Sat, 12/23/2006 - 11:03pm

Jets fans in the New York area are missing the big game:
Pats-Jags

Why? The stinking Giants are at home, so CBS can't put that game on against it.

2

by smashmouth football (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 3:01am

Ravens at Steelers

I really don't know how this game is going to turn out. Both teams really need it, Pittsburgh to have any playoff hopes at all, Baltimore to have any chance for an opening round bye.

Both teams hate each other, which usually makes for a very physical brand of football. There's no way the Steelers are as bad as they looked earlier this year in Baltimore. (I'm a Ravens fan who had the privilege to watch that demolition in person.) Jonathan Ogden is questionable for the Ravens--if he doesn't play, I suspect smart money would take Pittsburgh.

Would be interested to hear intelligent comments from others--but not rank, unsubstantiated homerism. Fans of all teams know the distinction...

3

by Sid (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 4:33am

RE: 2

I disagree. Baltimore could use a win, but not THAT badly. It's just seeding. Pittsburgh isn't getting in the playoffs either way. They'd need a miracle which they won't get.
But both teams hate each other, which should make it interesting.

4

by the K (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 7:16am

C'mon! Titans at Bills! Emerging star and ROY candidate Vince Young vs. a speedy Bills D, including Nate Clements in a contract year. Continued maturation of J.P. Losman vs. Pacman and a talented Titans linebacking corps. NFL sack leader Aaron Schobel. Travis Henry's shot at revenge. Robo-punter 2006 Brian Moorman. Rob "60 yards" Bironas. Two teams crawling from oblivion to .500, both on a very hot streak. The Bills coming off their first shutout since 2003, the Titans coming off an offensive performance so horrible it would even make Kerry Collins' eyes bleed...and they won anyway. Two teams with outside shots and dreams of making the playoffs. THIS is the game of the week!

(/homer)

5

by Dean from Oz (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 9:51am

HEALTH CHECKS REQUIRED

To go with Tomlinson,...any news on...

ATL Norwood
NYJ Houston
NEP Maroney

Or do I start SDI Turner as well?

6

by Sid (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 11:43am

Norwood should play. Cedric Houston probably won't. If he does, it'll be in a limited role.
Maroney is a game-time decision, but probably will play (although you never know with New England).

7

by Dean from Oz (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 11:57am

So then I'm down to LT & Turner (playing both SD RBs - an interesting strategy), or LT & Norwood, which is hoping that Dunn isnt going to take all the carries....

8

by Grouchy Bills Fan (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 1:16pm

I'm rooting for the Pats and the Dolphins this weekend. That's so weird. And please, can we have a moratorium on NFL players named "Norwood"? That name still makes me feel sick.

Right now I have Sexy Rexy starting and Vick on the bench. The gimpy groin makes me nervous, as it seemingly takes away the attribute that makes Vick worth starting. Can anyone convince me to switch them, or is this the right call?

11

by Anger...rising (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 2:20pm

Itâ€™s just seeding.

There's no such thing as "it's just seeding" when a bye is at stake. Having one fewer game to play, in and of itself, basically doubles your probability of going to and winning the Super Bowl, never mind the home field implications in subsequent rounds.

Chicago's DVOA against WR1 ranks 23rd. It is top 5 against everything else

Jax is the only team in the top 10 against every type of receiver.

The Pats are in the bottom 5 against WR2 and RB and in the top 5 against WR1, other WR, and TE

Miami is 2nd best against RBs and ranked in the 20's against everything else.

Pit, like Atl, is ridiculously bad against 1st and 2nd receivers (25.3% and 47.2% respectively), but is obscenely strong against other WRs (-83.2%)

KC is first against WR1, 26th against WR2, and dead last against other WR.

NO is 31st against WR1, but 4th against other WR and RB.

DET is 3rd against WR1, below average against RB, and very bad against everything else.

20

by Sophandros (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 3:13pm

I'm going to guess that Fred Thomas just got beat by Burress for 55 yards. Haven't seen anything on the local Fox affiliate, since I get ATL/CAR. BTW, Vick and Dunn are the first 1000 yard rushing duo in about 20 years. Interesting accomplishment.

giants have a home game so CBS can't put a game on opposite it. Almost the entire rest of the country is getting that game.

23

by Sophandros (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 3:15pm

22: This will be about my 874,345,135th complaint about the foolish broadcast rules by the NFL. Look, not everyone in Atlanta are Falcons fans, particularly since just about everyone in this city are imports.

Here's a bit of advice for the future: when appealing to authority, make sure it's more of an authority than Brian Billick.

44

by Sophandros (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 3:46pm

Well, shoot. Are we witnessing Bad Drew, then?

46

by Darrel Michaud (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 3:47pm

And another pass is tipped.

This passing game is really keeping it short, like there's no hint of them sending anyone long. I don't know wtf is up, but they just keep running 5 yard routes that don't connect or get nothing. What's even more puzzling is that they're doing this in a spread offense, lining up 4 guys and having them run crosses and outs.

I was checking the score on the 2 current hot teams - TEN v/ BUF. Scores tied at 10. Seems that these teams have joined MIA as second half beauties.
Side note: During my school days (academic years are btw june to apr in india), we had a score of kids who flunked quarterly, half yearly exams but buckled up for the annual exams and these kids were termed MARCH BEAUTIES. Guess, the same applies to TEN, BUF, MIA now!

The empire strikes back!
Colts have wiped off the 14 point deficit.
Wish Manning was in control of the US national deficit control rather than fight deficit against the texans!

59

by Sophandros (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 3:57pm

Kalyan, so you guys only had one month off?

60

by RichConley (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 3:57pm

51

Not really, as Jones-Drew stood up, Tully Banta-Cain wrapped him up, and then basically let go and threw his hands up in the air in that "I didnt touch him" look. Looks like he let go fearing the penalty.

61

by Darrel Michaud (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 3:58pm

Drew's looking better, just had a long pass dropped by Devery and a decent 20 yarder to Colston. But he just had another pass tipped on 2nd and 2, that's his 3rd.

62

by RichConley (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 3:59pm

Another Tom Brady pass 3 yards behind the WR.

Sweet.

63

by Sophandros (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 3:59pm

61: Wow. Devery dropped a pass...

64

by Darrel Michaud (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 3:59pm

Wind took a long pass to bush who bobbles it as he's going out of bonds. Called a catch but challenged, saints couldn't get a play off in time.

The coverage of the Lions game is trying really hard to not show the crowd during plays.

I'm only watching it to see the walkout...

68

by andrew (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 4:00pm

So is it like Charlie Weiss was responsible for telling Brady to not throw it behind receivers?

69

by Gus (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 4:00pm

RE: 57

It was kind of a fluky play, though credit still goes to Jones-Drew: he knew the play wasn't over. He bounced off his own blocker, Kyle Brady, and fell on his ass. The Pats seemed to think there was no way that anyone could fall that hard by running into his own blocker.

Hmm...Maurice may have invented a new trick play...

70

by Darrel Michaud (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 4:01pm

And the Saints convert on 4th and 2! Brees escapes the pass rush and gets it to Copper who holds onto the ball.

71

by Darrel Michaud (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 4:03pm

Wow, I just saw that Jones-Drew run. There were 2 pats around him. It seems like everytime someone goes down any defender in the area touches them just to make sure. Don't the Pats do that?

72

by andrew (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 4:03pm

Umpire down

73

by RichConley (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 4:03pm

GARRARD KILLED THE UMP.

74

by andrew (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 4:04pm

Garrard drilled an umpire in the ear. He's still on the ground.

75

by Darrel Michaud (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 4:04pm

Oh wow, Garrard just DRILLED the umpire in the side of the head with a pass.

76

by centrifuge (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 4:04pm

BAL/PIT is just ugly. The Steelers can't move the ball at all, can't defend quick passes in the flats, and can't get any pass pressure at all. They can't even pretend to keep up in field position either -- PIT punts are netting about 35 yards, BAL punts are netting about 50.

In other news, the BAL pass rush is completely dominating the PIT protection. AGAIN. Every time they blitz, someone is coming free. Every time they show blitz and drop out, there are two Steelers standing in the backfield doing nothing while the receivers are totally blanketed.

Disclaimer: I consider that the Pats defense has been pretty ordinary over the season and wrote to Aaron last week on the same.

I think DVOA rewards 'success' and most of Brady's pass are for 6-8 yds, thus having a high success rate. the same can be said about their running as well (as i type, Faulk gets 4 yds on a 2-2 situation). Pats might have had the lowest 20+ yd plays in the game, both passing and rushing and that is why the perception that the offense is anaemic!

RANT OVER!

91

by Sophandros (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 4:16pm

OT: checking on TVU to see what else is on, I must say that Telecapri (Italy Sports) has some call in show that I can't understand a word of. But it doesn't matter...

92

by David (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 4:17pm

Colts/Texans looks like it's turning into a shootout between Peyton Manning and Ron Dayne

Thanks. I even read on some article earlier in the season that all things need to go perfect for Pats to score on any drive. With them, you cannot have a slam dunk 4 plays, 80 yd drive that has happened to some other teams

When you want to clash with teams like san diego in post-season, that is as much a factor as a good defense.

100

by David (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 4:23pm

Last night on NFL Matchup they were showing footage of Philly/NY where the Giants had tried to use a defensive lineman to cover Brian Westrook on a few plays; are they doing the same against Reggie Bush?

101

by Darrel Michaud (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 4:23pm

Corey Webster just grabbed Coppper's jersey and Copper fell, then they waved off a 40 yard penalty.

Talking idiots are saying they got it right, but Copper's feet didn't even TOUCH Webster, and they're STILL SAYING their feet got tangled up.

102

by Darrel Michaud (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 4:25pm

Saints have converted two 4th and 2s in Giants territory.

Bush with another 10 yard run.

103

by Sophandros (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 4:25pm

Will Reggie have 100 yards by the half?

104

by centrifuge (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 4:25pm

A Steve McNair interception inside 2:00 leads to a 1-yard TD toss by Roethlisberger. The Steelers' no-huddle offense looked much sharper than their regular offense, which has been the case almost all season. They should seriously consider not waiting for the 2:00 warning in the second half to break it out again.

105

by RichConley (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 4:26pm

hell of a run by drew.

Carries the entire patriots linebacking core about 5 yards.

106

by Devin McCullen (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 4:27pm

Darrell, it was really hard to tell if he grabbed the jersey or just touched it. You could call that, I guess, but it's very iffy. Not sure why the Saints are throwing the ball anyway.

107

by Sophandros (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 4:28pm

Corey Webster just grabbed Coppperâ€™s jersey and Copper fell, then they waved off a 40 yard penalty.

Former LSU players cheat...

108

by McDaniel (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 4:30pm

RE: 97

Damn. I was really looking forward to saying "I told you so."

109

by Darrel Michaud (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 4:35pm

The Saints have Balls, they're 3 for 3 on 4th downs, and one was the sickest TD to Colston ever. He jumps and does a sick twist in the air to catch a fade.

Isnt the play of T Brown (TEN) foolish? With the clock that has run out, you gifted the Bills an untimed down and 3/7 points for christmas

111

by jonnyblazin (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 4:36pm

Sweet play of Ravens/Steelers first half:
Jamal Lewis blows up Joey Porter at the end of a play on a reception, then kicks Porter and hits him in head as he gets off the ground. Then the next play Lewis converts a 3rd and one, and when he was lying on the ground, Porter jumps on him and grabs his helmet. 15yd penalty! Joey Porter is a retard.

112

by Becephalus (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 4:38pm

I didn't see anyone mention it so I will. That first touchdown pass by Eli was horrible. I mean so bad I literally could have thrown it. He underthrew Burress by maybe 10 yards?

Eli deserves basically zero credit for that play, as I cannot imagine emergency backups screwing that play up.

Wow! i complain about Pats lack of 20yd+ plays and they give us 2 in one drive. Both with rookie TE - D. Thomas. Is this the end of the road to Graham?

123

by centrifuge (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 4:47pm

Baltimore converts a 3rd and 13. Nobody was even trying to cover Todd Heap for some reason. Next play, TD pass along the left sideline behind Troy Polamalu.

That's the 2nd TD against Polamalu, and both times, it's looked like he was expecting help up top that he never got.

124

by LMSx (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 4:47pm

Someone with a DVR check this, did Bush get out of bounds before the clock ran out in the NYG/NO game?

125

by jonnyblazin (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 4:49pm

Ravens are abusing Polamalu in coverage. Thats the second TD Clayton and now Williams just whipped him.

126

by admin :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 4:51pm

Hey, Kalyan, to answer your question about the Pats' offense, the reason why they are so high in DVOA is that they are excellent on third downs and obscene on fourth downs -- converting 15 of 19, the highest percentage in the league with the second-highest number of attempts. It's all about moving those chains.

How did you become a football fan -- and a Pats fan -- living in India?

127

by Gus (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 4:51pm

Re: 122

Play challenged and upheld: it was a TD. Helluva catch, and this should be the last year on the Pats for Graham, as that was the plan I thought when they drafted two TEs. However, I believe the amazin-pass-droppin Graham is now Team Captain or something, so it'll be interesting to see. As of that play, I am in favor of replacing Graham Cracker with the Wendy's Guy.

The Panthers are playing without a QB on 3rd down and DeAngelo Williams is 7 for 8 rushing for the conversion.

137

by jonnyblazin (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 4:58pm

Ryan Lindell is going to win me a fantasy championship!

138

by centrifuge (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 4:58pm

The Steelers come out in their normal offense and -- surprise, surprise -- they're having no success. Runs for no gain, a false start, and a ball in the dirt on third down.

Although, considering how the Baltimore offense has looked, even if PIT did go no-huddle, I would have complete faith the Ravens could match their production.

139

by Sophandros (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 4:59pm

Note on the Falcons: I don't know if you guys have heard about this, but this week DeAngelo Hall said that things are "cool" between him and TO. Look, if some dude spat on my face, things wouldn't be "cool" for a long time. Just another reason that Hall is a punk beotch.

looks like a shoot-out in St. Loius. I guess not a lot of people saw that coming?

BTW, a question to the WAS mgmt? What will you do with Druckett at the end of the season?

142

by Sophandros (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 5:03pm

What's bothering me is that in the last three weeks, teams seem to have been getting to Brees more often. Not a good think heading to the playoffs.

143

by jonnyblazin (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 5:04pm

gnah! Stupid raven turnovers are keeping Pittsburg in this game. The total yardage is something like 300yds for the Ravens and 80yds for the Steelers.

144

by centrifuge (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 5:04pm

3rd and 7 -- McNair hits Williams for 20 yards in "double coverage." I put that in quotes because both defenders were on the same side of the receiver, so the second guy was contributing nothing. Pittsburgh has looked really inept...

...except for recovering that fumble. Let's see what the offense has got.

145

by Sophandros (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 5:04pm

141: Good question concerning Duckett. From what I saw of him in Atlanta, he's a servicable back, but where does he fit in?

146

by RichConley (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 5:05pm

Ugh.

My fantasy team has both REggie Wayne and Andre Johnson, who have combined for a total of 21 yards recieving today.

Graham's false start costed the team 3 points! The game still remains too close for my comfort.

Time for one more pot of tea!

151

by Gus (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 5:09pm

RE: 149

Glad to hear it; it would be a major bummer for the Ravens if that guy was hurt badly.

Gostkowski missed a Field Goal! Bring back that other guy!

152

by Sophandros (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 5:09pm

Hentrich just had a 19 yard punt. Not good in the NATIONAL. FOOTBALL. LEAGUE.

153

by centrifuge (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 5:10pm

What do the Steelers do with the fumble? Go 4 and out. That's right, failed 4th-and-2 attempt tipped by a Raven.

I can hear TMQ scribbling already.

154

by Joon (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 5:11pm

i don't know if anybody else is watching redskins-rams, but:

1. the redskins' o-line is absolutely mauling the rams front seven. betts is hitting the hole hard on running plays, but the most ridiculous thing is the time jason campbell has to throw on passing downs. he looks like he could take a nice refreshing nap and still get the ball downfield.

2. sean taylor is not having a good game. he was flat-out embarrassed on the 44-yard bruce reception, got beat in one-on-one coverage on some nameless TE for a touchdown, and looked like a scared little kid on steven jackson's long catch and run. he was the last man and had to come up and make an open-field tackle, and instead backpedaled all the way into the end zone as jackson sprinted into the end zone untouched. seriously, it was a shocking play.

155

by Sophandros (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 5:11pm

Weinke is currently 3-6 for 27 yards with a TD. If the Panthers hold on, then do we say that Weinke just wins games, even if he lost 17 straight?

156

by RichConley (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 5:11pm

oh c'mon, hats ridiculous. THis roughing shit is absolutely out of control.

Re: 155
Since it would be his second victory ever, we could say he now wins games. But he has to get that elusive 2nd victory first. 1-17 I think so far.

165

by admin :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 5:15pm

Just to point out here, no matter how great Maurice Jones-Drew is, Kyle Brady was blatantly holding on the long Ernest Wilford completion, and I have no idea how the refs AND the broadcasters missed it. I have a much bigger problem with that non-call than with the call on Seymour for roughing the passer.

166

by Sophandros (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 5:15pm

And when did Copper decide that he would be able to hold onto the ball? Not that I'm complaining, of course.

It's not just NE. Everyone has been getting burned on roughing the quarterback, touching the quarterback, and glaring harshly at the quarterback this year. It has got to stop. It is ruining way too many games.

Did someone see D Thomas coming? I thought i saw his reference in a couple of games, but today looks like his break-out party

177

by Stereochemistry (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 5:20pm

No prob Kalyan, didn't mean that to sound so snippy.

Regarding Brooks, he's definitely lost a step or two this season, but I think his body of work (9 consecutive Pro Bowl trips and a SB ring) get him into the HoF on the first ballot, unless it's a really tough class that year.

178

by Sophandros (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 5:22pm

173: You forgot about thinking about thinking about touching the QB's pinky.

Texans still have 3mins to go down 30+ yds for atleast a FG and burn the COLTS.

Go TEXANS. Go

194

by andrew (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 5:32pm

Lions are winning? did they do the walkout?

195

by Darrel Michaud (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 5:33pm

I'm not quite clear of the rules needed for a "tackle." I thought the contact had to cause the player to go down, or be on a player already down to be a tackle. Guess not - can't find anything about in the annotated rule book on nfl.com.

Because really, the Bush play was weird. He fell forward and got up, and was able to take it to the house. It was reviewed and when he was in the air, falling forward, the long snapper's hand brushed his calf.

196

by Sophandros (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 5:34pm

190: Yeah, but I'm still a Saints fan, so a Reggie TD is a good thing to me. PK will be PK regardless.

Did anyone watch the ref in the ATL-CAR game throw a flag 40 yards for a penalty that didn't happen? How is that allowed? You can't throw a flag for a penalty you can't possibly see. That's the sort fo thing that just steams me. If the ref is out of position and 40 yards away, don't call a penalty.

What's the "walkout" everyone's tlaking about? Not knowing anything about it and knowing it concerns the Lions, I'm guessing the fans staged a massive "walkout" during the game in the latest "Fire Millen" campaign tactic?

Can someone remember a deeper RB class than the class of 2006? Reggie Bush, LM, Addai, Drew, Deangelo (to a lesser extent), Norwood, Washington(?-Jets), Lundy (?-Texans). All seem to have made a mark in atleast one game.

Part of me really wants for him to succeed, because he is such a talented and exciting athlete. Another part of me doesn't care because he plays for the Falcons.

238

by michael (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 5:56pm

Hey, Rich, watch the tape. Geathers hit Green in the head after Green had already gone feet first. Brady dove headfirst and got drilled in the back. I personally think it was a hit intended to injure, the cheapest of cheap shots, but sauce for the goose, know what I'm saying? Maybe it's Rodney Harrison karma.

239

by RichConley (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 5:56pm

I absolutely hate the prevent defence.

240

by RichConley (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 5:57pm

238

Geathers hit with the shoulder, you tard. Watch the video, like you said. The hit on brady was a spear.

Did Tennesse just come back against Buffalo? Is someone watching that game? What the hell just happened?

I would LOVE to see them in the playoffs.

259

by michael (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 6:06pm

Ah, tard. I love the aroma of a well-chosen bon mot. Geathers' went to the head while Green was sliding. Brady was diving forward. He chose not to protect himself. RBs take that hit all the time. Brady wasn't down. He was diving. Like I said, cheap shot, but Golden Boy should've slid.

260

by the K (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 6:06pm

Bironas kicks another one out of bounds. Bills ball on their own 40, down by 1 point, 2:10 left, no timeouts.

In the end, the defense has to make one close play and they made it, with their first sack & turnover of the day.

279

by andrew (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 6:11pm

All the same, once the protection broke down , Garrad has to just take the sack there.

280

by Tarrant (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 6:11pm

Betts with a long run to potentially lead to an easy field goal and a win for the Redskins...fumbles at the end of the run - Rams recover, march down the field, and kick the short field goal...and it's no good.

Exhibit Number 1,253,934 why no one likes Pats fans who aren't Pats fans.

Sincerly,

The Rest of the Country

285

by RichConley (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 6:13pm

As close as the score was, that game really was kinda one sided. ALl of JAX points basically came off the MJD 74 yard run, and that roughing the passer call.

286

by andrew (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 6:13pm

4th and 5 from the 30.... and they go for it, a desperation scramble... heaved up as a prayer.... and intercepted.

287

by Sophandros (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 6:14pm

Why not kick it?

288

by Kal (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 6:15pm

Good win by NE, and impressive performance by Brady against a tough D. Their D still has some issues, but their offense is appearing to click some. Jacksonville...gah, why did you get rid of Leftwich?

And what the heck happened in the Indy/Houston game? I know Indy didn't do well on rushing defense, but why could Manning only get three TD drives against Houston? Weird. SD and Baltimore, 1-2 for byes. That won't be a fun trip for the rest of the AFC.

289

by David (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 6:15pm

Losman is intercepted on third down, Titans win again.

290

by andrew (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 6:15pm

I am at a loss here. down by 1, 45 yard field goal and the Bills go for it on 4th and 5. And their kicker was 5/5 on the day. and they don't even seem to have a reasonable pick up the first down play called, it was a desperation heave for the end zone.

I don't think I've ever seen a team so blatantly give away a game. They playing for a draft position?

291

by Sophandros (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 6:15pm

At least both Reggie and Deuce went over 100 today.

292

by the K (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 6:15pm

C'mon, I know there's a stiff wind, but 45 yard attempt? You'd rather go for 4th and 5? If you were going to go for it on 4th then couldn't you have called a better play than a 20 yard pass on 3rd down? I'm going to go drink myself into a coma now. Later, enjoy the late games.

I think you should attribute the Bills loss to the coach or bad decision by QB. They were on the 25 yd line & within FG range. They should have tried to get as many risk-free yards and kicked a FG. Instead a christmas present to the red hot Titans, who have a realistic chance of post-season.

293

by andrew (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 6:17pm

David - that was 4th down. I don't believe there is another coach in the league who wouldn't take their chances with a 45 yard field goal.

I'm awaiting news of something like their kicker hurt himself on the sideline...

295

by Sophandros (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 6:18pm

If you throw a pick to Fred Thomas...

296

by Sam! (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 6:19pm

288:
We didn't "get rid" of Leftwich. He had season-ending surgery on his ankle. Why does everyone forget that? Just because a lot of stupid fans wanted Leftwich out doesn't mean the coaches are that brain-dead.

I don't see how they don't overturn that fumble at the end. His arm was pretty clearly going forward, he was close to the line (but your whole body has to be over the line for illegal forward pass... and even if it's an illegal forward pass, fine call that penalty and give the ball back), and there was a receiver in the direction he was throwing. Close game, why not let the players play if you're not sure?

I would be heavily in favor of firing the offensive coordinator this offseason. And the receivers coach.

297

by Rick (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 6:23pm

re: 296

Garrard's hand was hit pretty much at exactly the moment he started to move it forward. I don't see how the ruling on the field could have been overruled. The video evidence has to be stronger than it was.

298

by Sam! (not verified) :: Sun, 12/24/2006 - 6:24pm

FWIW I think Garrard has shown now that he is not the longterm answer. He's been in the league longer than Leftwich and has been asked to do less, and hasn't been able to protect the ball when it counted. If he doesn't know by now when to take a sack, or how to run with the ball so as not to fumble, or even how to figure out if a receiver is open or not, why do we think he'll figure it out in year 6 and beyond?